Alumina thin films deposited by dip coating on alumina substrates were sintered between 1150 degrees and 1350 degrees C. A new measuring system using a rocking arm as a mechanical amplifier allows in situ measurement of the shrinkage of the film. Comparison of experimental densification behavior with the predictions of the isotropic continuum mechanics model (using values of constitutive parameters determined by sinter forging) highlights the inadequacy of the isotropic models. These results, together with other published evidence, provide justification to consider anisotropic models.